INDH HANDICRAFTS AND SOCIO ECONOMIC STATUS OF WOMEN · this modern and globalized age there are...

GSJ: Volume 7, Issue 2, February 2019, Online: ISSN 2320-9186

www.globalscientificjournal.com

SINDH HANDICRAFTS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF

WOMEN “A Case Study from District Tando Allahyar Sindh Pakistan”

Bakhtawar Nizamani University of Sindh Jamshoro Pakistan

Meetha Ram1

Huazhong Agricultural University Wuhan China

Danish Latif Nizamani Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro

Abstract:

This study aimed at evaluating the socio-economic status of women; working to produce handicrafts products in comparison with other fields. The study has also examined the role of middle man and value of handicrafts in local and regional markets. It has adopted the quantitative research approach. Primary and Secondary both data sources are taken in this study. The study has found that mostly the women among the ages of 31 to 40 years are engaged in the handicrafts production work and about 97% respondents earn 3000 to 5000 as monthly income. The study has also found that about 72% of the respondent women are not educated and remaining is mostly primary passed. This study has not found any formal setup for handicrafts training for rural women in the research area.

1 Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

GSJ: Volume 7, Issue 2, February 2019 ISSN 2320-9186

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This study suggests educating the handicrafts producer for formal training about new techniques of handicrafts products, providing handsome value of their products, minimizing the role of middle man and to increase the access of producers to the handicrafts markets.

Key Words: Socio-Economic, Handicrafts, Women, Middle Man, Earning

Introduction:

Handicrafts are mainly understood as artisanal work and sometimes also called as artisan

work. It is type of work through which various beautiful things are made by hand, using simple

tools only. According to a definition by (UNESCO, October 1997)

“Artisanal products are those produced by artisans, either completely by hand, or with the help

of hand tools or even mechanical means, as long as the direct manual contribution of the

artisan remains the most substantial component of the finished product. These are produced

without restriction in terms of quantity and using raw materials from sustainable resources.

The special nature of artisanal products derives from their distinctive features, which can be

utilitarian, aesthetic, artistic, creative, culturally attached, decorative, functional, traditional,

religiously and socially symbolic and significant."

Handicrafts represent a key component of socio-economic life of any nation or ethnic group

and also are part of culture but on other side handicrafts are not included in national accounts

fully. Handicrafts present different socio-economic characteristic not only cultural dimensions.

Socio-economic characteristics defines handicrafts sector as home-based industry with

minimum resources and infrastructure to establish and it also cannot create large number of

jobs. It uses available skills and raw material and product is less expensive than invested energy

and required inputs. Income is also generated through handicrafts mainly in rural societies


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either home or community based production which is mainly an essential source in

agricultural communities in critical economic conditions (Richard, 2007). Handicrafts express

a particular community, group or culture through unique expressions and local craftsmanship.

Handicrafts possess artistic values though it is not necessary to use handicrafts for physical

purposes (Silver & Kundu, 2012). The hallmark of the craftsmanship actually attracts masses

by ensuring the functionality and beauty of objects. It is defined further by Indian Task Force

on Handicrafts that handicrafts are the items mainly made by hand sometimes with use of

simple tools, generally are traditional and artistic in nature. Handicrafts items include objects

of utility and decoration objects (Jena, 2008). As per explanations by various mentioned studies

above it can be understood that handicrafts are the products which are made by hand and also

by help of simple tools. Those products are used in our daily life mainly for decoration

purposes like the rug for decorating either drawing room floor or bed room floor, dolls for the

little kids, wall mat hanged on the wall for presenting drawing room more beautifully etc.

Handicrafts products are always unique in nature and design. The material used in handicrafts

also reflects the artistic view and create feeling of attraction by appearance.

In Pakistan mainly women are engaged in handicrafts and in Pakistan’s culture it is one of the

customs to teach girls some craftworks. It is common practice in both educated and uneducated

families ( Makhdoom, Shah, & Bhatti, 2016). But uneducated families not only teach girls for

customary purpose but also for earning purposes. As per current census data women

population in Pakistan is 48.76% (Statistics, March 2017) and the study by ( Makhdoom, Shah,

& Bhatti, 2016) expresses that most of the women are good at handicrafts in Pakistan but their

talent remains unrecognized and unproductive mainly because most of such women reside in

rural and underdeveloped areas. Now a day the response of consumers is very unpredictable to


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handicrafts but in many cases the producers and artisans are out of producing the market

demand because they are out of touch to end market. However handicrafts products are

becoming more globalized and commoditized with increased globalization and competition

among producers has increased. In rural and semi-rural areas this sector produces a vast

number of employments to craft persons and plays important role in country’s economy too

(Hashmi, 2012).

According to (Khan & Amir, February 2013) work and contribution of traditional artisan

communities and value of their products cannot be denied in global market and their products

cannot be isolated from global market trends also. Now handicrafts has become part of larger

industry to influence economic contribution,

Pakistan has extremely divers in crafts products and those crafts are a potent expression of the

skill and creativity of the artisans belonging to various regions of the country. Sindh is one of

the province of Pakistan is known in the world for its different handicrafts and arts. Sindh is

rich in heritage of traditional handicrafts and possesses a vast history over centuries. Sindhi

rich heritage of traditional handicrafts has evolved over the centuries (Khan F. D., 2011).

Though handicrafts have been a source of pride and livelihood for Sindhi people over the

centuries, the current study has taken District Tando Allahyar of Sindh a case study to evaluate

the socio-economic status of women; working to produce handicrafts products in comparison

with other fields and also to examine the role of middle man and value of handicrafts in local

and regional markets.


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Objectives of Study:

Main objectives of the study are as below

To evaluate the socio-economic conditions of women handicrafts worker and level of

earning.

To know the role of middle man at local level and compare the average profit of

producers and middle men.

To find out the status of education, technical skills among the women and their access

to local and regional market.

Review of Literature:

Handicrafts possess traditional values which express ethnic and cultural identities of a

particular region. It goes from generation to generation to produce handicrafts products. In

this modern and globalized age there are various factory products but still handicrafts have

sustained own identity and value (Silver & Kundu, 2012). Handicrafts are one of the important

production sector and export commodity of various developing countries. Now many

opportunities have increased for artisans after increased interest of global goods in global

market with rapid growth of international market. Handicrafts is yet a very wide sector where

a clear and common definition of handicrafts still lacks but various attempts have made

common characterization of handicrafts regarding its broad and general understanding

(Mikkelsen & Hagen-Wood, 1998).

Handicrafts are only source of cultural identity or ecotourism but also open job opportunities

for the people. Including other various challenges one of challenge is lack of easy access and


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presence of artisan or produce in main and central market (Sirika, 2008). But according to

study by (Jaitely, 2005) if the handicrafts production can be linked with central market and

industrialization tools can be used than it can be part of main production industry and low-

end profiting can be decreased.

As per study by (Khan & Amir, February 2013) another challenge is strong role of middle man

which stop the craftsman and producers to earn more profit and to access to market. The

reasons behind this include illiteracy, ignorance and poverty among craftsman. Mainly

craftsman does not have direct access to get raw material, it also strengthen the role of middle

man or agents. The study has found out that now a day craftsmen are trying to link them

directly to main market, this approach can benefit both craftsman and market. Handicrafts in

Sindh have been a major source of livelihood for millions of people which include women in

majority. Handicrafts are mainly made by rural women inside their homes to contribute overall

family income, mainly they contribute 50% of overall income. But the increased input cost, lack

of easy access to raw material or credit and poor marketing networks have decreased the

handicraft industry towards weaker positions (Shaikh, 2010).

In societies like Pakistan men are considered as bread earner so mainly the efforts of women

are not counted and remain unrecognized. In the case of Pakistan a large number about 50%

are women, engaged in informal job sector (Azhar, 2010). Handicrafts workers are ignored

and discriminated mainly. There is need of serious attention towards artisans because they are

symbol of cultural identities and also a profitable community (Wilkinson-Weber, 2004).

According to a study at Badin of Sindh by ( Makhdoom, Shah, & Bhatti, 2016) it is found that

mainly handicrafts products are produced at home and sold locally, main markets are


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approached only by middlemen. Handicrafts products are made by women in the province

mainly but they don’t get proper amount of earning as well as recognition.

Research Methodology:

The study is exploratory type of study and qualitative methods of study are used. There are

various studies on the topic but this study has taken a village Tando Soomro of Tando Allahyar

District of Sindh as a case study to find out the socio-economic conditions of women

handicrafts worker, their level of education and technical skills and access to market. This

paper is based on primary and secondary data source. For primary data sources 50 closed

ended questionnaires were collected in the study which engaged women handicrafts workers.

In secondary data sources previous related literature including research articles, reports,

newspaper articles and books were studied as part of this research.

Results:

Table 01

Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their Income earned from Handicrafts

Respondent's Income earned from handicrafts

Frequency Percent

3000 - 5000 39 97.5 5001 - 8000 1 2.5

Total 40 100.0


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Source: This data table has been used before by (Ali, Chandio , & Panhwar , 2013)

The distribution of respondents according to their income earned from handicrafts, 3000-5000 is 97.5% and 5001 to 8000 is 2.5%

Table 02

Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their Education

Are you educated or not

Frequency Percent

yes 11 27.5 No 29 72.5

Total 40 100.0


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The distribution of the respondents according to their education that they are educated or not; yes is 27.5% and no is 72.5%.

Table 03

Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their Earning through Handicrafts

House hold depends on earning through handicraft or not

Frequency Percent

Usually 7 17.5 Some How 32 80.0 Completely 1 2.5

Total 40 100.0

Source: This data table has been used before by (Ali, Chandio , & Panhwar , 2013)

The distribution of respondents according to their earning through handicrafts; usually is 17.5%, somehow is 80% and completely is 2.5%.


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Table 04

Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their Access to Market

Have your access to market Frequency Percent

Never 40 100.0

The distribution of respondents according to their access to market is never. 100% have not access to market.

Table 05

Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their Profit can be earned by selling products directly to Market

How much profit you earn, if you sell production direct to market

Frequency Percent

20% 24 60.0 30% 14 35.0 50% 2 5.0 Total 40 100.0


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The distribution of respondents according to their earning of profit by selling production directly to market is 20% is 60%, 30% is 35% and 50% is 5%.

Table 06

Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their Profit can be earned by selling products to middle men

How much profit you earn, if you sell production to middle man

Frequency Percent

20% 22 55.0 30% 17 42.5 50% 1 2.5 Total 40 100.0


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The distribution of respondents according to their earning of profit by selling production through middle man to market is 20% is 55%, 30% is 42% and 50% is 2.5%.

Table 07

Frequency and percentage distribution of respondents according to their production of such type of handicraft

Why do you produce such type of handicraft

Frequency Percent

Traditionally 23 57.5 For selling 14 35.0

Interest 3 7.5 Total 40 100.0


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The distribution of respondents according to their reason and type of producing such products is traditionally is 57.5%, for selling 35% and due to interest is 7.5%.

Conclusion and Recommendations:

Sindh is rich in heritage of traditional handicrafts and have a vast history over centuries. Sindhi

heritage of traditional handicrafts has evolved and transferred from generation to generation.

In Sindh mainly women are engaged in handicrafts production but their contribution is not

recognized a formal because in societies like Pakistan women still fight for their equal access to

resource and opportunities. This study has found that the women who are engaged in

handicrafts production are not educated mainly; only 27.5 percent women were found

educated. It is found by the study that the main purpose behind handicrafts production is not

more economic; it is more traditional to continue the tradition, only 35 percent women


427


produce handicrafts products for selling purpose but on other hand a large number 57.5

percent only produce for traditional purpose. It is also found by the study that women who sell

handicrafts products sometimes earn somehow, 97.5 percent of the respondents of study only

earn 3000-5000 PKR per month. The study has found that women handicrafts producers have

not easy access to market so strong role of middle is there.

The study recommends educating women handicrafts producers with formal and technical

education and to aware them with innovative designs and today’s market demands. It is also

suggested to link handicrafts producer directly regional and national markets as well as to

international market. It is suggested to organize healthy competitions among producers by

organizing regional and local exhibitions or festivals. Study also suggests policy initiative for

regarding wages or salaries and rates of various products as producers can earn their actual

and uniform earning. It is also recommended by study vocational training institutions for

women handicrafts producers for their education, awareness and engagement to mainstream

markets.

References

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2. Azhar. (2010). South Asian Regional Consultation on National Policy for Home-based Workers in Pakistan. Recognising and Supporting Home-based Workers. Islamabad : International Labour Organization .

3. Hashmi, S. K. (2012). Market for Indian Handicrafts. Excel Journal of Engineering Technology and Management Science.


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4. Jaitely, J. (2005, September ). Crafts as industry. Retrieved December 12, 2018, from http://www.india-seminar.com/semsearch.htm

5. Jena, P. (2008). Globalization of Indian Handicrafts: A Human Development Approach. Orissa Review, 19-25.

6. Khan , F. D. (2011). Preserving the hertiage; A case study of handicrafts of Sindh (Pakistan). Venezia: Department of Eurasian Studies Universita `Ca `Foscari.

7. Khan, W. A., & Amir, Z. (February 2013). Study of Handicraft Marketing Strategies of Artisans in Uttar Pradesh and Its Implications. Research Journal of Management Sciences, 23-26.

8. Mikkelsen, L., & Hagen-Wood, M. (1998). Experiences in taking crafts to market. New York: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Division Publication .

9. Richard, N. (2007). Handicrafts and Employment Generation for the Poorest Youth and Women. Paris : UNESCO.

10. Shaikh, S. (2010). Sindh's sagging handicraft business. Karachi: Dawn.

11. Silver, G. D., & Kundu, P. K. (2012). Handicraft Products: Identify the Factors that Affecting the Buying Decision of Customers. Umeå School of Business and Economics.

12. Sirika, B. (2008). Socio-economic Status of Handicraft Women Among Macca Oromo of West Wallaga, Southwest Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Education and Sciences, 1-14.

13. Statistics, P. B. (March 2017). 2017 Census of Pakistan. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

14. UNESCO. (October 1997). UNESCO/ITC Symposium, Crafts and the International Market: Trade and Customs Codification. Manila: UNESCO/ITC.

15. Wilkinson-Weber, C. (2004). Women, work and the imagination of craft in South Asia. Contemporary South Asia, 287-302.


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